Question

Which rhetorical device is used in this excerpt from G. K. Chesterton's "The Fallacy of Success"?

Answer 1

Answer: C.allusion.

An allusion is a figure of speech in which the author references an object, person or event from a different context in an indirect way. It is up to the reader to make the direct connection. Usually, these references are to well-known subjects in order for the reader to be able to decipher them. In this case, the author is referencing the story of King Midas. King Midas was a Greek king who had the magical power of turning everything he touched to gold.

Answer 2

Anecdote- A short story that usually serves to make listeners/readers laugh or ponder over a topic.

Repetition- A literary device that repeats the same words or phrases multiple times to make an idea clearer or more memorable.

Allusion- A figure of speech/a device that refers to a well-known story, event, person, or object in order to make a comparison.

Analogy- A literary device that introduces a new idea by comparing two other ideas. This new idea is introduced through a familiar comparison, thus making it easier to grasp.

Based on this, you can tell that the rhetorical device used is neither A. Anecdote or B. Repetition. It is most likely C or D.

I believe the answer is most likely C. Allusion.

In order for it two be an analogy, it would haft to be comparing two things to make a new idea. However, I believe this passage is only referencing one idea, one that is widely known, in order to make a comparison on our current lives/time.

The widely known reference: King Midas. "The Greeks enshrined it in the story of Midas, of the 'Golden Touch.' Here was a man who turned everything he laid his hands upon into gold."

"Unfortunately, however, Midas could fail; he did. His path did not lead unerringly upward. He starved because whenever he touched a biscuit or a ham sandwich it turned to gold."

The comparison to our lives: " 'A truth,' say we of to-day. We all know of such men. We are ever meeting or reading about such persons who turn everything they touch into gold. Success dogs their very footsteps. Their life's pathway leads unerringly upwards. They cannot fail."

I  hope this is of help to anyone looking for help/reference. Sorry I am just answering now, I know this answer is very late, I just wanted to put it here in case anyone else went looking for it!